Steve Webb
LOS ANGLES — With the Wild Card game against the Cardinals looking more and more likely with every passing day, Manager Dave Roberts and the Dodgers’ brain trust need to start thinking about putting the team in the best position to win that game. And, I think it’s pretty clear: we need Chris Taylor to be swinging a hot bat going into that game.
Here’s why: since Taylor has been struggling with his neck issue, he has had precious few opportunities to swing the lumber in the last three weeks. In fact, since his start in Cincinnati on September 19, CT3 has only had twelve at-bats. That’s not good where you’re trying to rediscover your mid-season form.
And Taylor really needs to find that stroke. Since a scorching July in which he hit .333 for the month his numbers have plummeted. He hit just .233 in August and .115 in September. Those are not the kind of numbers we are used to seeing from our All-Star utility man. It’s especially important if we need a right-handed bat off the bench in the late innings. The Dodgers have Tio Albert and Austin Barnes from that side, and both have been solid in pinch-hitting roles, but Taylor’s versatility makes him a valuable piece for a late-inning double switch. Pujols is pretty much a one-trick pony at this point in his career and Barnes is usually held until the last possible moment because he is the second catcher.
The Dodgers are well stocked on the left side. Lux, Bellinger, and Beaty all have pop in their bats and can be dangerous against right-handed relievers. Getting Chris Taylor on track will be critical in giving Dave Roberts the flexibility he needs to win the Wild Card Game and beyond. Looking forward, Taylor has had good luck against potential Giant starters Anthony DeSclafani, Logan Webb, and Alex Wood this year. His bat could be crucial in an NLDS.
The Dodgers are just better when Chris Taylor is playing well. Dave Roberts needs to do everything he can to help that happen before next week.
